Archery Bow Stabilizer Illumination Device

ABSTRACT

An archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end is an illumination device having one or more types of illumination. An archery stabilizer reduces the amount of shock and recoil caused by the release of an arrow from an archery bow and provides weight forward of the archery bow to provide better balance of the archery bow

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of archery. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of archery bow stabilizer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an archery bow stabilizer with removable and multiple function flashlight end.

The multiple function flashlight end 1 is an illumination device having one or more types of illumination such as white light-emitting-diodes to allow the user to guide herself through areas darkened by night.

The multiple function flashlight end 1 may also have red light-emitting-diodes to allow the user to move through the darkness of night without putting stress on potential game animals, which may cause them to flee.

The multiple function flashlight end 1 may also have ultraviolet light-emitting-diodes to aid the user in following blood trails left behind by wounded game animals. The ultraviolet light source on the multiple function flashlight end 1 may be used by itself, which will make blood appear black in contrast against natural backgrounds such as leaves, grass, and trees. The ultraviolet light source on the multiple function flashlight end 1 may also be used in combination with the chemical illuminator, such as Luminol, which will make the blood glow florescent in contrast against natural backgrounds such as leaves, grass, trees and dirt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an archery stabilizer in relationship to connecting with an archery bow of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an archery stabilizer with the removable flashlight end detached in the present invention.

FIG. 2 a is a simplified front view of an archery stabilizer with flashlight end.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an archery stabilizer with flashlight end attached of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of an archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end broken down to show each individual part of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end, attached to an archery bow.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an archery stabilizer with flashlight end attached in an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1, there is shown a multiple function flashlight end 1, a vibration damping rubber portion 14, a stabilizer body 13, a threaded stud 11, a threaded hole 5, a archery bow grip 6, and a archery bow riser 7.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1, the threaded stud 11 threaded into one end of the stabilizer body 13 may be into threaded hole 5 in the archery bow riser 7 to secure the stabilizer to the bow.

The multiple function flashlight end 1 is an illumination device having one or more types of illumination such as white light-emitting-diodes to allow the user to guide herself through areas darkened by night.

The vibration damping rubber portion 14 is the portion of the stabilizer that will absorb some of the shock and recoil caused by the release of an arrow from the archery bow. The stabilizer body 13 is the housing for the vibration damping rubber portion 14 and the threaded stud 11. The threaded hole 5 is in place to allow the stabilizer attach to the archery bow.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1, a multiple function flashlight end 1 is small enough to be attached to a hat or other clothing, or may be carried by hand. In this preferred embodiment, the flashlight end is approximately 1 to 2 inches in length and about ¾ to 1¼ inches in diameter.

The vibration damping rubber portion 14 should be about the same diameter as the multiple function flashlight end 1, approximately ¾ to 1¼ inches in diameter, and has an elongated end of a smaller diameter that will extend into the stabilizer body 13. The elongated end of the rubber portion is approxomately ½ to ¾ inches in diameter and about 2 to 4 inches in length.

The stabilizer body 13 should be about the same diameter as the multiple function flashlight end 1, approximately ¾ to 1¼ inches in diameter and about 3 to 5 inches in length. The stabilizer body 13 has a hole in one end sufficient in length and diameter to house the vibration damping rubber portion 14 about ½ to ¾ inches in diameter and about 2 to 4 inches in length. The stabilizer body 13 also has a threaded hole in the opposite end sufficient in size to house the threaded stud 11.

The threaded stud 11 is an industry standard 5/16-24 UNF and of sufficient length to thread completely into the threaded hole 5 in the archery bow riser 7, approximately ¾ to 1 inch in length.

The threaded hole 5 is an industry standard on most modern bows, approximately 5/16-24 UNF, and of sufficient depth in the archery bow riser 7 to allow the threaded stud 11 to thread completely into the threaded hole 5 and tighten against the archery bow riser 7.

The construction details of the invention in its preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, are that the multiple function flashlight end 1 may be made of aluminum or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material, such as high-strength plastic or carbon fiber. The vibration damping rubber portion 14 may be made of any vibration damping material such as neoprene, rubber, or silicone. The stabilizer body 13 may be made of aluminum or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic or carbon fiber. The threaded stud 11 may be made of a sufficiently rigid and strong material such as steel.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 2 there is shown a side view of the multiple function flashlight end 1 detached by means of a threaded screw 12, and an archery stabilizer 9 with multiple function flashlight end 1 detached.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 2, a multiple function flashlight end 1 should be small enough to be attached to a hat or other clothing or may be carried by hand such as about 1 to 2 inches long and about ¾ to 1¼ inches in diameter.

The archery stabilizer 9 should be about the same diameter as the multiple function flashlight end 1 such as ¾ to 1¼ inches in diameter and about 4 to 6 inches long. The archery stabilizer 9 should also have a hole in one end sufficient in length and diameter to house the vibration damping rubber portion about ½ to ¾ inches in diameter and about 2 to 4 inches in length. The archery stabilizer 9 should have a threaded hole in the opposite end sufficient in size to house a threaded stud.

A threaded screw 12 should be of sufficient in length to extend completely through the archery stabilizer 9 and vibration damping rubber portion 14 leaving enough of the threaded screw 12 exposed to allow the multiple function flashlight end 1 to thread and is a standard ¼-20 UNC screw.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 2 are that the multiple function flashlight end 1 may be made of aluminum or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic or carbon fiber. The archery stabilizer 9 may be made of aluminum or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic or carbon fiber and vibration damping material such as neoprene, rubber, or silicone. The threaded screw 12 may be made of a sufficiently rigid and strong material such as steel.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 2A there is shown a front view of the multiple function flashlight end 1. Shown is an array of seven LEDs (light-emitting-diodes).

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 3 there is shown a side view of an assembled archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 3 the archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end is an illumination device having one or more types of illumination.

The archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end reduces the amount of shock and recoil caused by the release of an arrow from an archery bow and provides weight forward of the archery bow to provide better balance of the archery bow.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 3, the archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end should be sufficient in size to act as a counter balance for archery bow. Also, the archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end is not so long that it impedes the user, by getting stuck on overhanging bushes, sticks, and twigs. The archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end does not add an undue amount of weight to the archery bow. The archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end is about 6 inches in total length, about 1 inch in diameter, and weighs about 5 ounces.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 4 there is shown a threaded stud 11, a threaded screw 12, a stabilizer body 13, a vibration damping rubber portion 14, a flashlight tail cap 15, a rubber O-ring 16, a ground spring 17, batteries 18, a battery housing 19, a switch 20, a rubber switch cap 21, a switch housing 22, a screw 23, a flashlight circuit board with light emitting diodes attached 24, a reflector 25, a lens 26, a rubber O-ring 27, a flashlight housing 28, a hat/clothing clip 29, and clip screws 30.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 4 a threaded stud 11 is an industry standard means of connecting the archery bow stabilizer to the archery bow. A threaded screw 12 is a means to connect the stabilizer body 13 to the vibration damping rubber portion 14, and to screw into the flashlight tail cap 15. The stabilizer body 13 is the housing for the vibration damping rubber portion 14, and threaded stud 11. The vibration damping rubber portion 14 reduces the amount of shock and recoil caused by the release of an arrow from an archery bow.

The flashlight tail cap 15 has a threaded hole in one end to allow the threaded screw 12 to thread into, and acts as the means to remove the entire flashlight assembly from the stabilizer.

The flashlight tail cap 15 has a pocket in the opposite end to house the ground spring 17. The flashlight tail cap 15 has a groove to hold a rubber O-ring 16. The flashlight tail cap 15 acts an electrical contact between the ground spring 17 and the flashlight housing 28, to complete the negative side of the circuit. The rubber O-ring 16 keeps water out of the flashlight housing 28.

The ground spring 17 makes contact between the flashlight tail cap 15 and the negative side of the batteries 18. The batteries 18 provide sufficient power to the light emitting diodes to cause them to produce illumination.

The battery housing 19 provides a nonconductive housing within the flashlight housing 28 to keep the positive side of the batteries from making contact with the flashlight housing 28, which would create a short circuit.

The switch 20 is a means of switching from one mode of operation to another. It also provides an off position, for battery conservation when not in use. The rubber switch cap 21 keeps water out of the flashlight housing 28.

The switch housing 22 is a means of keeping the switch 20 captive. The screw 23 connects the flashlight circuit board with attached light emitting diodes 24 to the switch housing 22. The flashlight circuit board with attached light emitting diodes 24 is a means of putting the light emitting diodes in a series of settings, which can be operated individually.

The flashlight circuit board with attached light emitting diodes 24 also has an electrical contact from the negative side of the light emitting diodes to the flashlight housing 28, to allow completion of the circuit. The flashlight circuit board with attached light emitting diodes 24 also has one or more electrical contacts to connect the positive side of the light emitting diodes to allow completion of the circuit.

The reflector 25 should be a reflective surface behind the light emitting diodes but in front of the circuit board to magnify the illumination and to hide the circuit board.

The lens 26 is in place to help keep dirt and water out of the flashlight housing 28. The rubber O-ring 27 keeps water out of the flashlight housing 28.

The flashlight housing 28 is the part of the assembly that contains all of the other components to complete the flashlight. The flashlight housing 28 also acts as an electrical contact between the flashlight circuit board with attached light emitting diodes 24 and the flashlight tail cap 15 to complete the negative side of the circuit.

The hat/clothing clip 29 allows the user to attach the flashlight to their hat or other clothing for hands free use. The clip screws 30 are a means to attach the hat/clothing clip 29 to the flashlight housing 28.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 4 the threaded stud 11 is an industry standard 5/16-24 UNF and of sufficient length to thread completely into the threaded hole in the bow riser, provided by the archery bow manufacturer (about ¾ to 1 inch in length).

The threaded screw 12 is of sufficient length to extend completely through the archery bow stabilizer body 13 and vibration damping rubber portion 14 leaving enough of the threaded screw 12 exposed to allow the flashlight tail cap 15 to thread onto, and is a standard ¼-20 UNC screw.

The stabilizer body 13 is about the same diameter as the flashlight tail cap. The stabilizer body 13 also has a hole in one end, sufficient in length and diameter to house the vibration damping rubber portion 14.

The stabilizer body 13 has a threaded hole in the opposite end, sufficient in size to house the threaded stud 11. The vibration damping rubber portion 14 is about the same diameter as the flashlight tail cap 15.

The flashlight tail cap 15 is sufficient in length to allow the user to unscrew it from the flashlight housing 28, about ½ to ¾ inches in total length and about ¾ to 1¼ inches in diameter. The flashlight tail cap 15 has a threaded extension on one end that will thread into the flashlight housing 28 about ¼ to ½ inches in length and ¾ to ⅞ inches in diameter.

The flashlight tail cap 15 has a threaded hole in the end to allow the threaded screw 12 to thread into, about ¼ to ½ inches in length. The threaded hole does not extend all the way through the flashlight tail cap 15, as such would otherwise allow water to enter the flashlight housing 28.

The rubber O-ring 16 and the rubber O-ring 27 are the same size and sufficient in size to form a water tight seal. The ground spring is of sufficient size to provide a reliable electrical contact.

The batteries 18 are of sufficient voltage to provide power to the illumination source or sources, but not so large as to add undue weight and size to the flashlight rendering its use impractical, such as a CR2032.

The battery housing 19 is sufficient in size to hold the batteries captive and fit within the flashlight housing 28. The switch 20 is small enough to fit within the flashlight housing 28. The rubber switch cap 21 is of sufficient size to cover the entire hole provided for the switch button to extend through. The switch housing 22 is of sufficient size to hold the switch 20 captive. The screw 23 is of sufficient size to connect the switch housing 22 to the flashlight circuit board with attached light emitting diodes 24.

The circuit board with attached light emitting diodes 24 may contain one or more illumination sources such as red, white, and ultraviolet light emitting diodes. The circuit board with attached light emitting diodes 24 is small enough to fit within the flashlight housing 28, about ⅞ to 1 inches in diameter.

The reflector 25 is about the same diameter as the circuit board with attached light emitting diodes 24, about ⅞ to 1 inches in diameter and about ¼ to ½ inches in length, and has the same number of holes in it to correspond with the number of light emitting diodes on the circuit board with attached light emitting diodes 24. The corresponding holes in the reflector 25 is of sufficient diameter to allow the reflector 25 to slide over the light emitting diodes exposing them to the reflective side.

The lens 26 is about the same size as the circuit board with light emitting diodes attached 24, about ⅞ to 1 inches in diameter and about 1/16 inch thick.

The flashlight housing 28 is of sufficient size to house all of the flashlight components, about ⅞ to 1¼ inches in diameter and about 1 to 2 inches in length.

The hat/clothing clip 29 is sufficient in size to provide adequate tension on the hat or other clothing the flashlight is being clipped onto. The clip screws 30 are sufficient in size to attach the hat/clothing clip 29 to the flashlight housing 28.

The rubber O-ring 16 and the rubber O-ring 27 may be made of rubber, cork, or any other elastic and water proof material. The ground spring 17 may be made of aluminum, copper, silver, gold, or any other conductive material that can be shaped into a spring. The battery housing 19 may be made of plastic or any other nonconductive material. The switch 20 may be made of plastic or metal and may contain small electrical components to make it function as a means to make or break electrical contact. The rubber switch cap 21 may be made of rubber, cork, or any other elastic and water proof material. The switch housing 22 may be made of plastic or any other nonconductive material. The screw 23 and the clip screws 30 may be made of any sufficiently rigid and strong material such as steel.

The flashlight circuit board with light emitting diodes attached 24 may be made of any standard circuit board material such as phenolic. The reflector 25 may be made of metal, plastic, or any other material that can be made reflective. The lens 26 may be made of plastic, glass, or any other sufficiently strong and rigid transparent material. The flashlight housing 28 may be made of aluminum or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic or carbon fiber. The hat/clothing clip 29 spring steel or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic or carbon fiber. The hat/clothing clip 29 may also be replaced by another means of connecting to the flashlight to a hat or other clothing such as Velcro, snaps, or magnets.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 5 is a full perspective view of an archery stabilizer attached to an archery bow.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an optional means using rare earth magnets of attaching multiple function flashlight end 1 to the archery stabilizer 9.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 3 there is shown a side view of a multiple function flashlight end 1 attachable to an archery stabilizer 9 by means of a rare earth magnet 32 pressed into the flashlight tail cap extension 31, a rare earth magnet 32, a archery stabilizer 9 with multiple function flashlight end 1 detached, a flashlight tail cap extension 31, a vibration damping rubber portion 34, and a magnet catch 33 molded into the vibration damping rubber portion 34.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 3 is a means of connecting the multiple function flashlight end 1 by using a rare earth magnet 32 to attach to the magnet catch 33 housed within the vibration damping rubber portion 34.

The rare earth magnet 32 is an object that attracts certain metals by use of it's magnetic field. These metals include iron, cobalt and nickel. The space around the magnet contains the magnetic field, which is created by the movement of negatively charged electrons. Electrons have mass, and a slight charge. In magnetic metals, the electrons are unpaired, and spin in the same direction, creating magnetic domains, or lines of force that travel in the same direction. The rare earth magnet 32 should be of sufficient size and strength to allow the multiple function flashlight end 1 to connect and hold strongly to the magnet catch 33 about ½ inch in diameter about ¼ inch in length and exert about 1 to 1.4 tesla of magnetic force.

The flashlight tail cap extension 31 is to act as a housing for the rare earth magnet to press into. The flashlight tail cap extension 31 should be of sufficient size to serve as additional support of the multiple function flashlight end 1 about ⅝ inch in diameter and about 1 inch long.

The vibration damping rubber portion 34 is the portion of the stabilizer that will absorb some of the shock and recoil caused by the release of an arrow from the archery bow. The vibration damping rubber portion 34 should be about the same diameter as the multiple function flashlight end 1 such as ¾ to 1¼ inches in diameter and have an elongated end of a smaller diameter that will extend into the archery stabilizer body about ½ to ¾ inches in diameter and about 2 to 4 inches in length and have a hole in the opposite end of sufficient size to house the flashlight tail cap extension 31 about ½ inch in diameter and about 1 inch long.

The magnet catch 33 is a piece of metal for the rare earth magnet 32 to be attracted to and should provide enough surface area for the rare earth magnet 32 to hold tightly to about ½ to ⅝ inch in diameter and about 1/32 to 1/16 inch thick. The rare earth magnet 32 is a strong permanent magnet made from alloys of rare earth elements there are two types: neodymium magnets and samarium-cobalt magnets. The magnet catch 33 is made of a ferrous metal and can be substituted by another rare earth magnet with the opposite magnetic poll facing the rare earth magnet 32.

The rare earth magnet 32, the flashlight tail cap extension 31, and the magnet catch 33 may optionally be replaced by a lever and catch, a button and catch, or any other mechanical means of disconnecting the multiple function flashlight end 1 from the archery stabilizer 9.

The advantages of the present invention, without limitation, are to cut down on the amount of equipment that must be carried by the hunter, because the flashlight will be affixed to the archery bow, hat, or other clothing. The addition of the hat/clothing clip on the removable flashlight end provides a safer means of climbing into and out of tree stands and ground blinds by allowing the user hands free illumination. Current flashlights can be cumbersome to use while carrying other equipment. Incorporating a flashlight into an archery bow stabilizer is a way to ensure that the hunter will never be without a flashlight when the archery bow is present.

The present invention provides one or more types of illumination such as white light emitting diodes to allow the user to guide his or her self through areas darkened by night. The multiple function flashlight end may also have red light emitting diodes to allow the user to move through the darkness of night without putting stress on potential game animals which may cause them to flee. The multiple function flashlight end may also have ultraviolet light emitting diodes to aid the user in following blood trails left behind by wounded game animals. The ultraviolet light source on the multiple function flashlight end may be used by itself which will make blood appear black in contrast against natural backgrounds such as leaves, grass, and trees. The ultraviolet light source on the multiple function flashlight end may also be used in combination with the chemical luminol which will make the blood glow florescent in contrast against natural backgrounds such as leaves, grass, trees and dirt.

The archery stabilizer with removable flashlight end reduces the amount of shock and recoil caused by the release of an arrow from an archery bow and provides weight forward of the archery bow to provide better balance of the archery bow. A flashlight attached to an archery bow stabilizer may provide target illumination should the need for self defense arise such as coming face to face with dangerous animals.

In broad embodiment, the present invention is a removable flashlight that may be disconnected from the archery bow and used separately.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

1. An improved archery stabilizer, comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said proximal end fastens to an archery bow, and wherein said distal end integrates a removable means for directional lighting.
 2. The stabilizer in claim 1, wherein said lighting comprises essentially red light.
 3. The stabilizer in claim 1, wherein said lighting comprises essentially ultra-violet light.
 4. An improved archery stabilizer unit, comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said proximal end fastens to an archery bow, and wherein said stablizer unit integrates a removable means for directional lighting.
 5. The stabilizer in claim 4, wherein said lighting comprises essentially red light.
 6. The stabilizer in claim 4, wherein said lighting comprises essentially ultra-violet light. 